Canadiens top scorer Max Pacioretty may return for series opener against Ottawa

But the forward still isn't sure if he'll be ready to play in the opening game of their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

The Canadiens scoring leader with 37 goals said he needs a practice with some bumps and battles in it before he'll know if he is fully recovered from an "upper body" injury suffered April 5 in Florida.

"That's the next step," he said. "You want to practice with full contact.